GUIDE TO GEOMETRY HONORS
2006-2007
Mr. Rukin
I.
Information about the course.
In this course, the study of geometry will be primarily from a problem-solving viewpoint. Problems will be approached from both an inductive and deductive point of view. Writing original proofs will be a major part of the course.
II.
The aim of Geometry H.
At the end of this course, even the best student won’t know all of geometry (s/he’d never be expected to), but it is hoped that s/he will know enough to appreciate the power and beauty of mathematical methods. Another important aim of this course is to provide the student with the opportunity to unify his/her knowledge—algebra, geometry, and logic being used to complement each other. A very important aim of the course is for the student to learn how to READ and STUDY mathematics on his/her own. However, the principle aim of this course is to cultivate within the student the ability to tackle new problems and to come up with reasonable solutions based on knowledge of fundamental principles of mathematics.
III.
Required books and materials for Geometry H.
Text: Geometry for Enjoyment and Challenge, by Rhoad, et al Scientific (or graphing) Calculator At various times, you will need ruler, protractor, compass, and graph paper.
IV.
Arrangement of the Textbook.
Basic Terms and Concepts of Proof (Chap 1-2) Congruent Triangles (Chap. 3-4) Perpendiculars and Parallels (Chap. 4-6) Polygons and Similarity (Chap. 7-8) Pythagorean Theorem and Circles (Chap. 9-10) Area and Volume (Chap. 11-12) Analytic Geometry and Loci (Chap. 13-14) Inequalities and Enrichment Topics (Chap. 15-16)
V.
Homework
It is my philosophy that homework is vital to the understanding of geometry. Primarily, it is a guide to what you do and do not understand. It is not merely a way of accumulating grades in my gradebook. You can expect homework more or less nightly, heavier in some chapters than others. Homework will be checked in during the class period. Homework pages should have a heading including your name, the date, and assignment number . You will receive a grade for each assignment All of the assignments for a quarter together will determine the homework grade for that quarter. Homework problems are assigned in order to give you an opportunity to work with what you have read and learned. Accordingly. it is not acceptable to merely put answers down on paper. ALL work must be shown. ALL problems which have diagrams MUST be accompanied by diagrams. The most important part of homework, however, is STUDY. You must always be reading and studying the textbook. You can expect occasional quizzes on the reading.
VI.
Problems
Each assignment is designed to cover the material currently being studied, review past material, and to preview upcoming topics. Most assignments contain some relatively easy problems and some very difficult problems. You should make a reasonable effort on all problems and come in before class for help when necessary.
VII.
Reading
The textbook we are using is the best written one available. One of its outstanding features is its readability. You can read it and understand it. We will rarely have lectures to go over new material. Instead, you are required to be READING ahead and learning the material. The sample problems are an outstanding feature. Try them all and then check your solutions. This will save class time to be used in going over the difficult problems and concepts we will encounter. On occasion, there may be short quizzes in class on the reading assignments.
VIII. Getting Help or Information.
I am usually available before school (by about 7:40) and often after school, except on days when other meetings take place. Check in the math office (N214) for any other information. See Ms. Brelias, the department chair, or Ms. Buckingham, the secretary. The phone number of the math office is (847)424-7600. The way to contact Mr. Rukin is via e-mail [ rukin@eths.k12.il.us ].
IX.
Quizzes and Tests
You may expect short quizzes very often. Their major purpose is to inform me (and you) of what you do and do not know. They will not be announced. Tests do not have the purpose of “covering the material” in each chapter. That is what quizzes and homework are for. While some test questions will relate directly to the text material, the major purpose of tests is to see if you can apply what you have learned and if you can synthesize all the material you have learned. All tests and quizzes are cumulative. That is, they may (usually will) include any material previously covered, in this course or in prior courses.
X.
Copying or Cheating.
Despite repeated warnings, there are always some students who figure they can beat the game. O. K., but in this game it doesn’t pay to try. Any dishonesty, even copying a minor homework paper, will result in severe penalties. Once you have been caught cheating, you lose all rights in this class. Your grade is a matter of my personal opinion, and I have a low opinion of cheaters.
XI.
Calculators.
In this class, you will need a scientific calculator for many things in various parts of the year. On occasion, we will be doing something special and calculators will not be allowed. Most of the time, however, you should plan to have a calculator available. You should also consider, if you can, getting a more sophisticated calculator, preferably a graphing calculator. While it won’t be that necessary for geometry, you will find that it will be necessary in advanced algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
XII.
Extra Credit.
There may be occasional opportunities for extra credit. These will be announced in class. More details later. Note that extra credit will not be a way to make for not doing your work. In fact, students missing regular work may not be allowed to do the extra credit work.
XIII. Note taking.
It would seem to me to be vital to take good (but not encyclopedic) notes in class. I suggest the use of a spiral notebook or 3-ring binder to keep your work together and neatly organized. Use of notes will be required of those asking questions previously answered.
XIV. Algebra and Arithmetic.
You must be able to do algebra well in order to succeed in geometry. You must be able to think in algebraic terms, and set up and solve linear equations, quadratic equations, proportions, and systems of equations. You must be able to manipulate variables. It is also critical that you be able to graph on a coordinate plane. If you need to refresh your algebraic skills, come in for help. It will be assumed that all answers will be in simplified, exact form unless indicated otherwise.
XV.
Going over homework.
Homework is intended to be done before class. If you have extensive trouble, try to come in before school early to get it cleared up before you come to class. I try to arrive by 7:40 AM. We will not be going over all the homework in class. Of course we will go over a few of the important and instructive problems in class. The teacher will determine which problems are appropriate for inclass discussion.
XVI.
Answers
Numerical answers are expected to be in simplest, exact form whenever possible and reasonable. The correct use of algebra and arithmetic is a vital part of learning mathematics.
XVII. Makeup work.
If you were absent with an excused absence, be sure to check with me on what needs to be made up. If you have a test(s) to make up, be certain that you arrange a time to do so as soon as possible. If you were absent with an unexcused absence, forget it, because no makeup work will be accepted and a failing grade will be recorded for all missed work.
XVIII. Contact Information
If you or your parents need to contact me (other than during class, of course) the best way is by e-mail. My e-mail address is rukin@eths.k12.il.us .
XIX. Grades.
Each quarter you will receive grades for three things: (1) tests, (2) quizzes, and (3) homework. You will receive a letter grade for each test (A, B, C, D, or F). Your quarterly homework grade will be the average of your grades for all the assignments due during that quarter. The homework grade will count as the equivalent of two quizzes and be part of the quiz grade. Your quarter quiz grade will be the average of all the quiz grades received during the quarter. The quiz grade will count as one test. To compute the quarter grade, change each test grade (or quarterly quiz grade) to a number, where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, and F = 0. Then average all the numbers to determine the quarter grade. Special Provisions: (1) No quarter grade can be higher than the highest test grade; (2) if I feel the average is way out of line with performance, I reserve the right to modify the grade as appropriate; and (3) anyone missing ten or more homework assignments in a given quarter will receive an automatic failing grade for that quarter. Your semester grade will be computed counting each quarter as 40% and the final exam as 20%. There are two special provisions: (1) if any two of the three grades are F’s, you will receive an F for the semester; (2) if two of the three grades are A’s, and the third grade is B or above, your semester grade will be an A, even if the so-called normal average would be an A-.
XX. Projects.
There may be nonstandard projects required to be done. More information will follow at the appropriate time.
XXI. A Promise.
I cannot promise that you will like this course. It is extremely difficult and requires a lot of work. I do promise that if you make an honest, consistent (but not superhuman) effort, that you will learn a great deal.
XXII.
Work in Class
In class, your main job will be to work on problems. You MUST try every problem. Many of these problems will be unlike any you have done previously. You may not get them right. But the important purpose is to learn how to work on new, unfamiliar problems. That is the priority. You will find that you get better as the year goes on.
XXIII. Finally.
Now that you have read this far, I have one final request. Please fill out an index card with the information listed below. Front Last Name, First Name Name you prefer to be called Parents’ or Guardians’ Names Address (including zip code) Home Phone Year in school
Parents’ Daytime Phones
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